YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — A frigid test awaits the struggling Youngstown State Penguins as they open a three-game series at the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles on Friday.

First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST at the Physical Activities Center under forecasted cloudy skies and a bitter temperature of -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Penguins (1-10) enter on a five-game skid, having dropped four of those at Longwood last weekend. Their lone win this season was a 2-1 victory at Longwood on Feb. 27. Southern Indiana (9-4) has found consistent success early, coming off a 12-5 midweek win over Illinois State where they racked up 14 hits.

A key matchup will feature Youngstown State’s Alex Jang against Southern Indiana’s potent lineup. Jang, a second baseman, is coming off his best game of the season, going 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in Sunday’s 6-4 loss at Longwood. He has four hits in his last eight at-bats.

The Screaming Eagles counter with designated hitter Noah Foster, who drove in three runs on three hits in Tuesday’s win. Foster has been a run-production catalyst, tallying 11 RBIs over his last six games played.

On the mound, Youngstown State will look to rebound from a difficult weekend where its pitching staff allowed 21 runs in three games at Longwood. Brandon Mikos took the loss Sunday despite a solid 5 1/3-inning start, while reliever Luke Zmolik provided 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.

Southern Indiana’s offense has averaged over nine runs per game in its nine victories. In their most recent series, they took three of four at North Alabama, including a 20-1 rout on Feb. 27.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-1 victory for the Screaming Eagles.

The series continues with games on Saturday and Sunday at the Physical Activities Center before Youngstown State returns home to host Central Michigan on March 11. Southern Indiana hits the road next for a matchup at Missouri on March 10.